===
[Best PSP Game]
And the nominees are...
Hot Shots Tennis: Get A Grip
The first Hot Shots Tennis was on the PlayStation 2, and it was a decent if not flawed game. It had a very short single-player mode. Hot Shots Tennis: Get A Grip fixes this by having a more in-depth campaign having you traveling around the world visiting locales, opening treasure chests, fending off foes, and gaining new recruits to your "We Love Tennis" team. The gameplay hits the sweet spot with some tricky AI, fun modes, and generally good times are had.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Essentially Metal Gear Solid 5, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker splits up the game into bite-sized chunks in the form of missions. This is perfect for the portable PlayStation indeed! The missions are well thought out with each one giving more and more to the story. Sure, the cutscenes may tend to run a little heavy like Metal Gear Solid 4 before it, but you can always skip those! Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker plays smooth, tight, and is just a bunch of enjoyable fun.
Phantasy Star Portable 2
Similar to the Phantasy Star Online games on Dreamcast, Gamecube, and Xbox, Phantasy Star Portable 2 takes you for a wild ride with its single-player and online Wi-Fi modes. The goal here is to take out monsters, gain new loot, and upgrade your weaponry. It's all fine and dandy, and it's massive amounts of fun, too! A significant upgrade from the original PSP (Phantasy Star Portable, that is), PSP 2 is a great action-RPG worthy of your attention.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
Enter the confusing world of Kingdom Hearts once again. This time it's for the first entry on the PSP, and boy, is it a good one. Play as one of three characters as you explore the wonderful worlds of Disney in this excellent action-RPG. There's no Sora to be found this time around as the new cast rounds out things quite well. For a meaty single-player game, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is one game to watch out for this year!
And the winner is...
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Solid Snake does it again, and this time he definitely meets business. Taking place in the era of Snake Eater, Peace Walker takes the stealth-action gameplay of the series and puts it in mission form and on the PlayStation Portable. What it adds up to is a magnificent stealth title that any PSP owner should pick up and play immediately.
Runner-Up: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
[Best Nintendo DS Game]
And the nominees are...
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
When Dragon Quest IX was announced for a handheld, the gaming world nearly crapped their pants in turmoil. How could my Dragon Quest be released on a weak handheld-- much less the DS? Well, fears were put to rest when the game was released, and it was awesome. With customizable heroes, a lengthy quest, plenty of side content, and gorgeous graphics, Sentinels of the Starry Skies is one RPG that fans of the genre should not miss.
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
Plenty of puzzles ahoy for Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke, in the third chapter of the Professor Layton series. There's many brain teasers and puzzles to wrap your head around and be embarrassed about when you cannot solve them without using up your last hint coins! Indeed this puzzle game with a rich story is one to look out for definitely as all Layton games are worth buying, young or old.
Picross 3D
Picross in 2D was a challenge. Picross in 3D is an even bigger challenge. This time there's three dimensions of fun to be had here. Numbers on the side of the 3D shape give you clues as to how many blocks need to be destroyed in the puzzle. By using the powerful tool of deduction, you slowly chip away at the ship until you unveil the special shape. Sometimes it's an animal, flower, or spaceship even! Or you can opt to create your own puzzles in this puzzling puzzler.
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The fad that never dies returns with remakes of Pokemon Gold and Silver. With snazzy new visuals, added content, and the ability to explore both Johto and Kanto lands, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver feature the same gotta-catch-em-all mentality of past games. Whether you're battling with friends or against the AI, there's fun to be had in this pair of brand-new Pokemon games!
And the winner is...
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
Those starry skies shine bright in Dragon Quest IX. This immense RPG is full of content-- hundreds of hours before seeing everything there is to see. The game sold so well that Nintendo is bringing over Dragon Quest VI, the remade version, to North America this February. Here's hoping this RPG series never loses its tremendous stride!
Runner-Up: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
[Best PlayStation 3 Game]
And the nominees are...
God of War III
The gods are angry at Kratos, and Zeus is aiming his powerful lightning bolts directly at the former God of War's heart. Ooh... How intense! From the remarkable HD visuals that look like a work of art as David Jaffe, creator of the series, once stated, to the amazing combat system and powerful score, God of War III serves as a reminder of how a triple-A blockbuster should be.
Gran Turismo 5
Polyphony Digital were hard at work on this highly-anticipated sequel for years. In fact, they released Gran Turismo 5: Prologue as a means to satiate the anticipation for a while longer as they honed their skills on this great racing simulator. Speed through Laguna, race through the streets of Italy, and drift through turns in this excellent racer. With more cars than a Chevy dealership, Gran Turismo 5 is the ultimate driving simulator.
The Sly Collection
Three games in one plus some Move-enabled minigames, The Sly Collection takes your favorite raccoon thief, and puts him in glorious HD. Each game plays differently from the next. One is a pure platformer while the second plays out more as a sandbox title. The third is a mix of both. No matter the game you play in the Sly trilogy, you're sure to have a gigantic smile on your goofy face.
Sports Champions
In my opinion, this is the premiere Move title, showing what Sony's Wii-too controller can do to its fullest. From archery to bocce ball, there's an impressive list of sports to play, awards to earn, and good times to have. Table tennis is much more responsive and entertaining than that of Wii Sports Resort. As many know, this is no easy task! If you're interested in a Move, be sure to pick up Sports Champions as your first Move title!
And the winner is...
God of War III
How are the other games supposed to beat a god? Answer? They can't. There's just no way in Hades. Kratos reigns supreme with some visceral and engaging combat, jaw-dropping visuals, and sensational score and voice acting. While it's not the best game of the God of War trilogy (that honor goes to II), it still is one very entertaining game.
Runner-Up: Gran Turismo 5
[Best Wii Game]
Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Joe the Condor versus Ryu? Bring it on! A game that I deemed better than Super Street Fighter 4, Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars brings all the fun of fighting games and streamlines it so anyone can pick up the controller and play. Sure, most of us will have our asses handed to us when we play online, but that's a whole 'nother story! With enough memorable characters, arenas, and combos to be had, Tatsunoko VS. Capcom is the best fighter this year.
Monster Hunter Tri
Capcom did Wii owners well this year with two Wii Game of the Year nominees. Monster Hunter Tri is essentially a big boss rush game. You are constantly thwarting the plans of gigantic monsters who intend to KO you in three hits. Meanwhile, you earn new weapons and armor from defeated monsters via transforming animal hides into valuable weapons. A difficult game to jump into, Monster Hunter Tri was my very first experience with the franchise, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy was 2007's Game of the Year here at SuperPhillip Central. This year, its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2 came out, and it blew me away. The new challenges, puzzles, and tasks to accomplish were literally out of this world! The soundtrack is easily my favorite of the year, and jumping on 3D Goombas never gets old. If you're looking for a supremely competent 3D platformer, look no further than Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Retro Studios handled the 3D versions of Metroid, and they handled them well. Now armed with the Donkey Kong Country franchise, Retro knocked this one out of the park as well with Donkey Kong Country Returns. The levels were fiendishly designed, the enemies were inspired, and the remade music was catchy, too. It's a game to absolutely go ape over or go bananas. Whichever monkey pun you prefer is fine with me!
Metroid: Other M
Some folks have a seething hatred of this game due to its insane story. I didn't mind it at all. If Samus Aran wants to have daddy issues, let the woman have daddy issues! From the fun exploration of the Bottleship to taking out enemies in stellar fashion, Metroid: Other M featured a whole array of new tricks, some good, some bad. All-in-all, Samus' newest adventure is definitely worth taking a look at.
Sonic Colors
You know the Wii is doing well when there's six games vying for the Wii Game of the Year in 2010! What a year it was for Sonic. First there was Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, then Sonic teh Hedgehog 4, and that was followed by the incredibly great Sonic Colors for Nintendo Wii. Blast through levels at the speed of sound as Sonic the Hedgehog. This time around, the added gimmick, the Wisps, does not deter from the game but enhances it. Bravo, Sonic Team. Bravo.
And the winner is...
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Who else could it be but Mario? The fantastic platforming, creative new galaxies, and stellar soundtrack kept Mario Galaxy 2 apart from the rest of the pack. Truly, it was not even close. 3D platformers are always a fun genre to play, and Mario generally always leads the way. This definitely holds true for Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Runner-Up: Donkey Kong Country Returns
And the nominees are...
Hot Shots Tennis: Get A Grip
The first Hot Shots Tennis was on the PlayStation 2, and it was a decent if not flawed game. It had a very short single-player mode. Hot Shots Tennis: Get A Grip fixes this by having a more in-depth campaign having you traveling around the world visiting locales, opening treasure chests, fending off foes, and gaining new recruits to your "We Love Tennis" team. The gameplay hits the sweet spot with some tricky AI, fun modes, and generally good times are had.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Essentially Metal Gear Solid 5, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker splits up the game into bite-sized chunks in the form of missions. This is perfect for the portable PlayStation indeed! The missions are well thought out with each one giving more and more to the story. Sure, the cutscenes may tend to run a little heavy like Metal Gear Solid 4 before it, but you can always skip those! Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker plays smooth, tight, and is just a bunch of enjoyable fun.
Phantasy Star Portable 2
Similar to the Phantasy Star Online games on Dreamcast, Gamecube, and Xbox, Phantasy Star Portable 2 takes you for a wild ride with its single-player and online Wi-Fi modes. The goal here is to take out monsters, gain new loot, and upgrade your weaponry. It's all fine and dandy, and it's massive amounts of fun, too! A significant upgrade from the original PSP (Phantasy Star Portable, that is), PSP 2 is a great action-RPG worthy of your attention.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
Enter the confusing world of Kingdom Hearts once again. This time it's for the first entry on the PSP, and boy, is it a good one. Play as one of three characters as you explore the wonderful worlds of Disney in this excellent action-RPG. There's no Sora to be found this time around as the new cast rounds out things quite well. For a meaty single-player game, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is one game to watch out for this year!
And the winner is...
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Solid Snake does it again, and this time he definitely meets business. Taking place in the era of Snake Eater, Peace Walker takes the stealth-action gameplay of the series and puts it in mission form and on the PlayStation Portable. What it adds up to is a magnificent stealth title that any PSP owner should pick up and play immediately.
Runner-Up: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
===
[Best Nintendo DS Game]
And the nominees are...
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
When Dragon Quest IX was announced for a handheld, the gaming world nearly crapped their pants in turmoil. How could my Dragon Quest be released on a weak handheld-- much less the DS? Well, fears were put to rest when the game was released, and it was awesome. With customizable heroes, a lengthy quest, plenty of side content, and gorgeous graphics, Sentinels of the Starry Skies is one RPG that fans of the genre should not miss.
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
Plenty of puzzles ahoy for Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke, in the third chapter of the Professor Layton series. There's many brain teasers and puzzles to wrap your head around and be embarrassed about when you cannot solve them without using up your last hint coins! Indeed this puzzle game with a rich story is one to look out for definitely as all Layton games are worth buying, young or old.
Picross 3D
Picross in 2D was a challenge. Picross in 3D is an even bigger challenge. This time there's three dimensions of fun to be had here. Numbers on the side of the 3D shape give you clues as to how many blocks need to be destroyed in the puzzle. By using the powerful tool of deduction, you slowly chip away at the ship until you unveil the special shape. Sometimes it's an animal, flower, or spaceship even! Or you can opt to create your own puzzles in this puzzling puzzler.
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The fad that never dies returns with remakes of Pokemon Gold and Silver. With snazzy new visuals, added content, and the ability to explore both Johto and Kanto lands, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver feature the same gotta-catch-em-all mentality of past games. Whether you're battling with friends or against the AI, there's fun to be had in this pair of brand-new Pokemon games!
And the winner is...
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
Those starry skies shine bright in Dragon Quest IX. This immense RPG is full of content-- hundreds of hours before seeing everything there is to see. The game sold so well that Nintendo is bringing over Dragon Quest VI, the remade version, to North America this February. Here's hoping this RPG series never loses its tremendous stride!
Runner-Up: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
===
[Best PlayStation 3 Game]
And the nominees are...
God of War III
The gods are angry at Kratos, and Zeus is aiming his powerful lightning bolts directly at the former God of War's heart. Ooh... How intense! From the remarkable HD visuals that look like a work of art as David Jaffe, creator of the series, once stated, to the amazing combat system and powerful score, God of War III serves as a reminder of how a triple-A blockbuster should be.
Gran Turismo 5
Polyphony Digital were hard at work on this highly-anticipated sequel for years. In fact, they released Gran Turismo 5: Prologue as a means to satiate the anticipation for a while longer as they honed their skills on this great racing simulator. Speed through Laguna, race through the streets of Italy, and drift through turns in this excellent racer. With more cars than a Chevy dealership, Gran Turismo 5 is the ultimate driving simulator.
The Sly Collection
Three games in one plus some Move-enabled minigames, The Sly Collection takes your favorite raccoon thief, and puts him in glorious HD. Each game plays differently from the next. One is a pure platformer while the second plays out more as a sandbox title. The third is a mix of both. No matter the game you play in the Sly trilogy, you're sure to have a gigantic smile on your goofy face.
Sports Champions
In my opinion, this is the premiere Move title, showing what Sony's Wii-too controller can do to its fullest. From archery to bocce ball, there's an impressive list of sports to play, awards to earn, and good times to have. Table tennis is much more responsive and entertaining than that of Wii Sports Resort. As many know, this is no easy task! If you're interested in a Move, be sure to pick up Sports Champions as your first Move title!
And the winner is...
God of War III
How are the other games supposed to beat a god? Answer? They can't. There's just no way in Hades. Kratos reigns supreme with some visceral and engaging combat, jaw-dropping visuals, and sensational score and voice acting. While it's not the best game of the God of War trilogy (that honor goes to II), it still is one very entertaining game.
Runner-Up: Gran Turismo 5
===
[Best Wii Game]
Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Joe the Condor versus Ryu? Bring it on! A game that I deemed better than Super Street Fighter 4, Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars brings all the fun of fighting games and streamlines it so anyone can pick up the controller and play. Sure, most of us will have our asses handed to us when we play online, but that's a whole 'nother story! With enough memorable characters, arenas, and combos to be had, Tatsunoko VS. Capcom is the best fighter this year.
Monster Hunter Tri
Capcom did Wii owners well this year with two Wii Game of the Year nominees. Monster Hunter Tri is essentially a big boss rush game. You are constantly thwarting the plans of gigantic monsters who intend to KO you in three hits. Meanwhile, you earn new weapons and armor from defeated monsters via transforming animal hides into valuable weapons. A difficult game to jump into, Monster Hunter Tri was my very first experience with the franchise, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy was 2007's Game of the Year here at SuperPhillip Central. This year, its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2 came out, and it blew me away. The new challenges, puzzles, and tasks to accomplish were literally out of this world! The soundtrack is easily my favorite of the year, and jumping on 3D Goombas never gets old. If you're looking for a supremely competent 3D platformer, look no further than Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Retro Studios handled the 3D versions of Metroid, and they handled them well. Now armed with the Donkey Kong Country franchise, Retro knocked this one out of the park as well with Donkey Kong Country Returns. The levels were fiendishly designed, the enemies were inspired, and the remade music was catchy, too. It's a game to absolutely go ape over or go bananas. Whichever monkey pun you prefer is fine with me!
Metroid: Other M
Some folks have a seething hatred of this game due to its insane story. I didn't mind it at all. If Samus Aran wants to have daddy issues, let the woman have daddy issues! From the fun exploration of the Bottleship to taking out enemies in stellar fashion, Metroid: Other M featured a whole array of new tricks, some good, some bad. All-in-all, Samus' newest adventure is definitely worth taking a look at.
Sonic Colors
You know the Wii is doing well when there's six games vying for the Wii Game of the Year in 2010! What a year it was for Sonic. First there was Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, then Sonic teh Hedgehog 4, and that was followed by the incredibly great Sonic Colors for Nintendo Wii. Blast through levels at the speed of sound as Sonic the Hedgehog. This time around, the added gimmick, the Wisps, does not deter from the game but enhances it. Bravo, Sonic Team. Bravo.
And the winner is...
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Who else could it be but Mario? The fantastic platforming, creative new galaxies, and stellar soundtrack kept Mario Galaxy 2 apart from the rest of the pack. Truly, it was not even close. 3D platformers are always a fun genre to play, and Mario generally always leads the way. This definitely holds true for Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Runner-Up: Donkey Kong Country Returns
===
Tomorrow night is the final night of the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2010 Awards, so buckle up! We'll be looking back at last year's Game of the Year followed by the moment everyone has been waiting for-- 2010's Game of the Year! See you then, gang!
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